Feature by Carolyn Beasley
Floundering in aquamarine and foamy white waves, two grown men on beginner surfboards are splashing and laughing, falling and high-fiving. Eventually, one wobbles to his feet, and then the other does too, raucously cheering each other on.
One of the would-be surfers is Daniel Ricciardo, the grinning speedster of the Formula One circuit, and the other is Blake Mills, his childhood best friend. The two are living proof that you don’t have to be a professional surfer to have fun in the waves at Margaret River. And as we’ll find out, you don’t have to be a professional driver to take an epic road trip through Western Australia’s dreamy South West.
Daniel and Blake hiking the Cape to Cape Track on a guided tour in the Margaret River Region.
While Daniel spends much of his time overseas, he returns to Western Australia regularly, a place he proudly calls home.
“It’s where I still get that flood of nostalgia and those memories,” Daniel says. “It's still the place that makes me smile, so it's really nice to get back.”
After touring the Coral Coast Highway for the first iteration of Drive the Dream, Daniel has again teamed up with Blake for an adventure-filled road trip. This time, the pair drive south to Wadandi Country following the South West Nature and Wine Drive, reconnecting as they experience unique forests, unforgettable coastal vistas and premium wining and dining.
Leaving Perth (Boorloo) behind, the city fades into open farmland and canopied forests. Arriving in Collie, the duo swap their electric-powered vehicle for pedal power, taking to the mountain bike tracks. As black cockatoos screech overhead, Daniel and Blake are soon chasing each other through the jarrah, marri and blackbutt trees. Feeling the ‘flow’, they bank around perfect berms and even get a little air over the jumps.
Daniel and Blake on a mountain biking adventure in Collie.
Nature is their companion, and as the mates pass through Bridgetown, canoes are rippling along the Blackwood River. Near Pemberton, karri trees stand tall like sentinels and western grey kangaroos lift their heads, ears twitching. Towards Margaret River, the twisty branches of marri trees intertwine above country roads.
Here, Daniel and Blake are treated to a small section of the multi-day hike, the Cape to Cape Track which stretches from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, Augusta. Joining their guide from Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, the friends take a clifftop, twilight stroll near Conto’s Beach.
“I'm a sucker for sunsets,” Daniel says. “When I'm home over Christmas and it's normally my time to unwind and switch off, I make a point to go out and watch sunsets as much as I can. That was probably the most beautiful place I've ever been able to watch one.”
There’s beauty to be found underground too, and more than 100 limestone caves are hidden beneath Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Six of these are open to the public, and Daniel and Blake’s adventure continues at Ngilgi Cave. Meeting up with Wadandi man Josh Whiteland of Koomal Dreaming, the pair descend into the cave past glittering stalactites and stalagmites. Wide-eyed with wonder, they’re treated to the ancient rhythmic sounds of Josh’s didgeridoo.
“It’s such a powerful instrument,” Daniel says “For him to give us a little show, it was cool. Everything was just very surreal about that that experience.”
Daniel and Josh 'Koomal' Whiteland exploring Ngilgi Cave in Yallingup, Margaret River Region.
Along Caves Road, rows of grapevines stretch away across undulating hills, and Daniel and Blake are unequivocally in the heart of wine country. The Margaret River Region is home to over 100 cellar doors and wineries, plus top restaurants showcasing the best of local, seasonal produce.
“We had a beautiful walk through the vineyards at Amelia Park Wines, and then they treated us to a beautiful lunch full of local and fresh produce,” Daniel explains. “We had an absolute spread, and we got to sample a few of the wines which we thoroughly enjoyed.”
The indulgence didn’t end there, as Daniel and Blake tasted their way through some of the region’s best-loved establishments.
“Lamont’s Smiths Beach, Swings and Roundabouts, let's say the list goes on but every place we stopped and dined and had a little nibble or break - Chow’s Table was another one which was awesome - we were spoiled!” Daniel says.
Daniel and Blake dining at Amelia Park in the Margaret River Region.
The pampering extended to unique accommodation that offered a true sense of place, like the Heyscape Tiny Cabins in Yallingup.
“What I loved was being there at night, and before going to sleep you just look up to the sky, and it's littered with stars,” Daniel says. “It's so peaceful and you can hear little crickets and frogs; you’re just very much at one with nature.”
On their journey’s final night, Daniel and Blake are luxuriating at Injidup Spa Retreat, perched above the sea cliffs. Bathed in golden sunset glow, the pair are reclining beside their plunge pool in bathrobes, radiating contentment.
“How good is this?” Daniel asks. “The perfect way to cap off a road trip,” Blake replies. Daniel tops up his best friend’s sparkling wine as they toast an unforgettable shared adventure.
Published September 2024